Emotional problems and behavioral patterns of parents who have deaf blind children are described clinically and in short case studies. Deaf blind young children are said to be isolated from their families due to lack of sensory cues; to display behaviors such as back arching and fear of walking; and to experience frequent health crises such as heart involvement. Stress in parents is described in relation to the mother's feelings (such as prenatal expectation of a perfect child) and the narcissistic insult she suffers when the child is defective. Discussed is the normal mourning period both parents experience which involves three sequential elements: numbness, disbelief, and withdrawal from the outside world; disappointment and feeling of loss with accompanying affective and physical symptoms; and intense re-experiencing of memories and expectations. It is maintained that mourning must be understood by both the helping professional and the mourner to allow defense mechanisms to organize and that only as the parents learn to cope with their feelings can they help the handicapped child. Five case studies are presented that show different affective reactions of parents. Given in one example is the case of 17-year-old Dave whose parents cannot surmount disappointment, pain, and anger and thus are unaware of Dave's needs to socialize even though Dave uses oral expressive language and braille and is on his way to college. Concern is expressed for disadvantaged families, and agencies are urged to assume responsibility for any child or family that seeks help. (MC)